Wednesday, September 5, 2012

buffet my BODY? what???

Our HOUSE of PRAYER at His Life Park, Bacolod City (under construction)
After a long BREAK of actively leading our HOUSE OF PRAYER 
Wednesdays 5am schedule, I decided to be back early this morning again.

Hallelujah!  I was not alone! 

I saw like-minded; committed people who would like to bring our HOP 5am to a NEW LEVEL with the following reasons:
  1. HOP Wednesdays 5am is a manifestation of PRIORITIZING what is IMPORTANT as Christian Leaders >>> PRAYING not just at a convenient, "any time" moment but in a STRATEGIC moment, such as DAWN WATCHES.
  2. HOP Wednesdays 5am is designed for ALL 5 Networks to join in prayer -- while all other prayer schedules is for SPECIFIC Networks, Sites and Teams, THE WEDNESDAY 5AM is for THE ENTIRE HOUSE (we are believing God for Kids, Youths, Young Professionals, Women and the Men) to be part of this regularly.
  3. HOP Wednesdays 5am is a demonstration of following the PRAYER LIFE of the MASTER -- Jesus >>> He prayed "while it was still dark" (Mark 1:35) -- here we see an indication of INTENTIONALITY, CONSECRATION and WHAT IS PRIME in everything He would be doing!
  4. HOP Wednesdays 5am has an anointing of making "CHAMPIONS" >>> like an athlete who would train his body --- this is a time to "buffet my body" [BEAT; DISCIPLINE; SUBDUE; TOUGHEN; ROUGHLY TREAT; HIT HARD and STRAIGHT] our BODIES (who loves to eat, sleep and do nothing INSTEAD of PRAYING, INTERCEDING and STANDING in the GAP for others.  What does this mean? A quick reading of 1 Corinthians 9:27, would immediately tell you that we are to be MODELS and EXAMPLES that must be EMULATED (after we share, teach, preach to others what needs to be done, coz we ourselves DO so).  In SUBDUING our bodies in the context of DISCIPLINED PRAYER, we could better lead others with Integrity and be above reproach. 

American Standard Version
but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.


Darby Bible Translation
But I buffet my body, and lead it captive, lest after having preached to others I should be myself rejected.

New International Version (©1984)
No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

World English Bible
but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

New Living Translation (©2007)
I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.


Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
But I subdue my body and I enslave it, lest I who have preached to others would be disqualified myself.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Rather, I toughen my body with punches and make it my slave so that I will not be disqualified after I have spread the Good News to others.

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
But I roughly treat my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.

Weymouth New Testament
but I hit hard and straight at my own body and lead it off into slavery, lest possibly, after I have been a herald to others, I should myself be rejected.

--------------
TWO 
COMMENTARIES 
BELOW on 
1 Corinthians 9:27

(1)
BY GUZIK

I discipline my body: Discipline is a weak translation; the word means “to strike under the eye; to give a black eye.”  Paul didn’t want his body to lord it over his being.

i. Bring it into subjection is literally to lead about as a slave.  Paul was going to make sure that his body was the servant, and his inner man was the master.  The desires of his body were not going to rule over himself!

ii. But Paul did not think the body evil; after all, it belongs to Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:20).  Nor would he agree with later ascetics who punished their bodies in a quest for super-holiness.  Through the centuries, there have been Christians known as flagellants, who would literally whip, beat, and torture themselves in a misguided attempt to fulfill this verse.  Usually, these Christians thought they could pay for their sins through such self-torture, and they refused to recognize that Jesus paid all the penalty of their sin.

e. Lest when I have preached to others: Paul sees himself as both a herald of the games (who announced the rules), and as a participant.  Paul told others the rules of the game, and he had to follow the rules himself.

(2)

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
But I keep under my body,.... The allusion is still to fighters, who, by cuffing and boxing, give their antagonists black and blue eyes, which is the proper signification of the word here used: so it is said (u) of Menedemus, that in questions or scholastic exercises, he was so vehement and pugnacious, that he never departed without , "carrying away black and blue eyes". This is not to be understood by the apostle of his natural body, and of his keeping it under by immoderate watchings, fastings, and labours, or by whipping and scourging, and lying upon the bare ground, and other such practices; but of the body of sin, the corruption of nature, and of that being laid under some restraints; of the mortifying the deeds of the body through the Spirit, of crucifying the affections with the lusts, of putting off the old man with his deeds, as concerning the former conversation, and of making no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof: it seems to be the same with what the Jews call (w), , "a subduing of a man's evil concupiscence": who is a strong man? they say (x), , "he that subdues his corruption", according to Proverbs 16:32 and again (y).
"the sons of Ulam were mighty and powerful men, , "subduing their corruptions", as man that draws a bow with wisdom.''
And bring it into subjection; so as not to serve and obey it in the lusts thereof; but to have the ascendant of it, and government over it, that it does not, and cannot reign as it formerly did: the allusion is still to the combatant, who gets and keeps his antagonist under him, and has the command of him, and throws him on the ground, or drags him about at pleasure:
lest that by any means when I have preached to others; the Gospel of the grace of God, for their souls' profit and advantage, to gain and save them; and have called upon them so to run, that they might receive and enjoy the incorruptible crown:
I myself should be a castaway, or rejected, or disapproved of; that is, by men: the apostle's concern is, lest he should do anything that might bring a reproach on the Gospel; lest some corruption of his nature or other should break out, and thereby his ministry be justly blamed, and be brought under contempt; and so he be rejected and disapproved of by men, and become useless as a preacher: not that he feared he should become a reprobate, as the word is opposed to an elect person; or that he should be a castaway eternally, or be everlastingly damned; for he knew in whom he had believed, and was persuaded of his interest in the love of God, and that he was a chosen vessel of salvation, that could not be eternally lost: though supposing that this is his sense, and these his fears and concern, it follows not as neither that he was, so neither that he could be a lost and damned person: the fears of the saints, their godly jealousies of themselves, and pious care that they be not lost, are not at all inconsistent with the firmness of their election, their security in Christ, and the impossibility of their final and total falling away; but on the contrary are overruled, and made use of by the Spirit of God, for their final perseverance in grace and holiness.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

A MEMORY VERSE and a MANDATE :-)

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” --- MATTHEW 28:19, 20 NIV

Matthew 28 (the go and make disciples) passage was and is a FAVORITE memory verse for me.
But it was just lately that this MEMORY verse became a MANDATE to really do!
I'm not referring to the MAKE DISCIPLES line, but to the OF ALL NATIONS line.

The "OF ALL NATIONS" line seems to be so big!
So ambitious for a Philippine PROVINCIAL Church group to really pursue!
BUT I NOW REALIZE, "I am wrong!"

WHY?
  • many are leaving our little PROVINCE now.     (the brain drain thing)
  • as they leave, they go ABROAD!     (the greener pastures idea)
  • as they are found there abroad ... they are incorporated immediately IN GREAT CHURCHES!
  • NOTHING WRONG with being PART OF GROWING CHRISTIAN GROUP abroad ...
  • BUT
  • Why not?  Fulfill a Higher Call? (read below)

THIS TIME, I am asking myself, "What if WE PREPARE THEM not just for PROSPERITY"
(to be natural TITHERS and GIVERS back home) ...
WHY not prepare them to be "PROPHETIC FULFILLMENT as EVANGELISTS to the NATIONS of the WORLD?!"  Isn't this the CALLING of Christian Filipinos after all?  Especially in these LAST DAYS SCENARIO?
The Filipinos are now NOT just WORKERS and SERVANTS to the WORLD but also
HOPE-BEARERS AND "Christophers" out there!  HALLELUJAH!

I am so glad TODAY to see the results of yesterday's EQUIPPING!

YOU KNOW ... we are serious in DISCIPLE-MAKING for the glory of Jesus at His Life.
We carefully disciple our Youth, Young Professionals, and Adults together with our growing Kids population.
NOW IS THE MOMENT to EMPOWER THEM!  TO UNLEASH THEM.  TO LET THEM ...
  • Launch a LifeGroup!
  • Start a Home Church!
  • Begin a Worship Celebration or a Worship Experience on Foreign Soil.
This is just wonderful!

Too much Equipping without Empowering IS A SIN!  I believe so!
So now ... AFTER Equpping is PUSHING! Like Parent Eagles with the Eaglets.

As of this MOMENT we have the following being COACHED and MENTORED to really do the LSB Move**:  Lets DO PRAY FOR THEM.
  1.  NEW new new UPDATE (as of August 2013) Laumer Millan for His Life Qatar [UNWIND].  Laumer is together with Jacquie and Che2x in the prosperous land of Qatar.  Laumer has invited people to meet with them in one of the finest hotels in Qatar [HOLIDAY VILLA] to begin a LIFEGROUP! Their TITHES may be used to Evangelize and Disciple people in this beautiful land.  I referred Laumer to this article i wrote in the past ... CLICK HERE and READ #3d -- it addressed the TITHE suggestion (ARTICLE on the LSB MOVEMENT).  
  2. Jacky Sanicas for His Life Qatar.  She is already discipling other nationalities using the famous One2One booklet of our brothers and sisters from Victory Church.  We will soon have our own Discipleship Booklet called "CROSSOVER".  Jacky has completed her 12 in Bacolod and has already built her 144 Level before she left for Qatar. PRAY for supernatural wisdom, love and determination for Jacky and her 12 in Qatar.
  3. Ericka Gallespen for His Life Albany, Australia.  She is one of our Youth Pastors here back home (in Bacolod), has launched LifeGroups; completed her 12 and built her 144 Level; and walking with an anointing like no other.  A mighty lady for the Lord, due to God's indescribable grace!  PRAY for prophetic eyes and a passion for the lost to be discipled in the Lord's way through Ericka and her 12 in Australia soon.
  4. John Eric Elevado for His Life Perth, Australia.  John together with his wife will definitely launch a group that would behold the glory and goodness of God in due season.  John Eric is an Intercessor;  has trained young people upon young people through his contagious commitment to the simplicity of the Word of God.  He has built up a 12 before leaving for Israel, then for Singapore years ago.  Lets lift him AND wife (Giani) in prayer as they listen to the Lord for Perth Australia, building their 12 in God's kairos moment.
  5. Jhun Marby Orola for His Life Missisippi.  Jhun has started discipling an AMERICAN co-worker and a PERUVIAN too.  Let's Pray for the 1st Crossover Retreat soon :-) CLICK to see the PICTURE of Jhun here with a disciple of Jesus.
  6. THE LEGASPI'S for His Life Canada.  Soon!  Both Jun-Jun and Karleen are seasoned PASTORS of His Life Ministries!  -They counsel, teach, preach, disciple, visit, follow-up, write manuals for series, organize workshops and seminars and etc. What do you think can they accomplish as they continue to move in the Vision God has all given us years back?  
  
STAND IN THE GAP WITH THEM ... USING THIS GUIDE:
  • PRAY that they will be in LOVE WITH GOD and with the NEW NATION God has placed them in to make a difference.
  • PRAY that they will LOVE PEOPLE into the Kingdom of God, by being AGGRESSIVE to meet felt needs; be SENSITIVE to culture and on how to introduce JESUS the best way ever.
  • PRAY that they will BUILD UP THEIR 12 within a span of 12 months.
  • PRAY for them to OPEN a LIFEGROUP in a nearby diner, coffee shop or apartment weekly.
  • PRAY that they will be like the Apostle PAUL who declared in Romans Chapter 1: "I am obligated"; "I am eager" and "I am not ashamed of the Gospel".  These are the 3 qualities of POWERFUL MISSIONARIES!
  • PRAY that their HARVEST will be so great, just like in the Book of Acts (from non-believers to believers to disciples to churches to the multitudes).   
**LSB MOVE ARTICLE HERE JUST CLICK TO READ 

Friday, August 17, 2012

LSB Movement


His Life to the Nations!

WHAT is a HIS LIFE LAUNCH?
ANSWER:  It is a CALL FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOW ABROAD [or even just here in town] to EITHER do 3 things in the context of being a GREAT COMMISSION CHRISTIAN:

(1)  Launch a LifeGROUP with 2 to 3 people meeting WEEKLY.
(2)  Start a HOMEChurch with the 3 to 5 organized LifeGROUPS above [see # 1].
(3)  Begin a WEEKENDCelebration with THE 3 to 5 HOMEChurches above [see # 2].

THIS IS WHAT WE CALL "THE LSB MOVE"
(launch, start, begin a movement into the world).

====================================
RANDOM THOUGHTS by JR
Regarding the LSB Movement

  • It is my PRAYER to see our people bringing JESUS to the WORLD through CITY-Taking and NATION-Blessing [Filipinos are a Blessing to the Nations of the World]. 
  • This is our INHERITANCE!  This is our Prophetic Destiny.

My first counsel to anyone (WHO IS An Equipped and A Trained LEADER AT HIS LIFE) who happens to LEAVE our Country for another COUNTRY is this:DO NOT JOIN A CHURCH immediately in that NATION but rather START a LIFE GROUP as soon as possible!!! >>>> LEADING to a WORSHIP CELEBRATION in the FUTURE!


WHY?
  1. Because this is the most PRACTICAL way to fulfill the PROPHETIC DESTINY appointed to Filipinos experiencing the "DIASPORA".  He / She is an Evangelist TO the World!
  2. This is the Destiny or the DESIGN to bring ONE, TWO or more souls to the LORD intentionally!  
  3. NOTE:  If you IMMEDIATELY JOIN A GROUP (versus VISITING 27 OTHER Groups and have Fellowship with them with the mindset of becoming the 28th Church Group), you will find yourself INCORPORATED into the MAIN STREAM CHURCH rather than being INCORPORATED into the MAIN CITY LIFE, where sinners are!!!
  4. You lose the opportunity of HARVEST.  You will be DISCIPLED the 2nd time around or the 3rd time around or even the 9th Time around and NOT to HARVEST and DISCIPLE the LOST immediately!  SEE the POINT?

I believe WHEN YOU bring yourself to the WORLD and WIN Souls, this EQUALS to SUCCESS!  They may join other groups at first ... that is perfectly OK!  YET, as you commit to DISCIPLE them LONG-TERM, you are now preparing yourself to be a SHEPHERD TO THE SHEPHERDLESS!  A NEW Church can be BIRTHED through you!  WOW!

===============

REGARDING the LSB MOVEMENT IDEA
(This is to START with INTENTIONALITY a His Life CHURCH into the NATIONS)
... let us say LAUNCHING a HIS LIFE INTERNATIONAL Movement, we must have to have a clear cut strategy to do so.

  1. NUMERO UNO:  Have a SURE Call!  A Call to LAUNCH A CHURCH that "Glorifies God AND Makes Disciples!" THIS IS NOT FOR OUR DENOMINATION's HONOR and GRANDSTANDING, but just like JIL, VICTORY, GCF Japan, ZION Filipino Church in Saudi and other groups who WANTS TO SEE, OBEY AND DO Matthew 28 (discipling nations), we do this as well.
  2. NUMERO DOS:  MATTHEW 28 is now not just a BIBLE STUDY BUT A BIBLE FULFILLMENT not by anyone but by YOU personally.  Matthew 28 becomes immediately not just a MEMORY VERSE FOR PREACHING BUT A VERSE FULFILLED AND ACTED UPON!
  3. NUMERO TRES:  NOW REGARDING "INTENTIONALITY" ... I cast my heart and my mind and my strength and my prayers with you ---- LET'S DO IT INTENTIONALLY!ASK QUESTIONS LIKE:
a)  When will we LAUNCH FORMALLY (using a PARTY FORMAT)?
b)  When will be the DATE of it?  (I must invite at least 10 people)
c)  What is the Program?  (MEET, EAT, VISION TALK, ANNOUNCE that this is WEEKLY na!, PRAY, EAT AGAIN) hahaha!
d)  Who will I invite?  START writing out a GUEST LIST.  Imagine your FOOD to serve [use your TITHE to do this] hehehe. YES!  YOU do not have to SEND your TITHE back home!  USE THE MONEY OF THE LORD to begin HIS OWN WORK!  You may send OFFERINGS back home though :-) ... You may collect OFFERINGS then have it Accounted by a group of 2 to 3 more people!  The LORD will prosper you!  Then make sure to SEND a TITHE of your Collective Tithe to a PARTNER within HLM MOVEMENT! 
e)  Who will be COORDINATING this with me?  UNBELIEVERS PWEDE!  SERIOUS!  Get someone who has BIG INFLUENCE! 
f)  PRAY PRAY PRAY ... and LAUNCH either one of these:  A LIFEGROUP or A HOME CHURCH or A WEEKEND CELEBRATION (depending on your readiness).  USE THE "Faith Starter Course MODEL" or the "HANG-Out MODEL of YX" or the "DISCOVER GOD MODEL via DVD Teaching" ... YOU MAY USE 1001 of our PAST SERIES at His Life!!!

4)  go go go ... be Organized! then Mobilize people!  AND JUST DO IT!

5)  TIP: to launch formally, YOU MUST BE A PARTY CREATOR!  SINNERS GO TO PARTIES!
MAKE IT FUN!  MAKE IT A MEDICINE FOR THE LONELY!  THEN PREACH THE WORD ... TEACH THEM HOW TO LIVE!


* click here for LIFE-GROUPS-Kick-Off-Party-Suggestion
** click here for Life-Groups-No-Nos-and-Yes-Yess
*** click here to see the Discover-God-Yx-Manila-Training-Module i prepared
**** click here for ADVANCED Small-Group-SEMINAR-Mentoring-Resource I shared this to ACM Missionaries


=================
THIS IS A FIRST
=================
Will you be an Apostle?
Will you be a Trailblazer?
Will you be a Pacesetter?

A FIRST abroad!
Into the Continents of the World!
Wow!

Let LSB Movement be part of your DREAMS!
You can DREAM ...
Go ahead!

His Life Nations!
Thank the LORD that you are invited to be A part of this PROPHETIC DESTINY Fulfillment!!!


DON'T FORGET TO PRAY FOR YOUR 12
(this is the secret of JESUS to change the world!)
WHEN YOU COMPLETE YOUR 12 ... expect a MODERN PENTECOST!
BE FILLED!  FLY!  GO FOR IT!
THE NATIONS IS YOUR INHERITANCE!
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE:  THE VISION OF 12

Saturday, April 28, 2012

TEAM Preaching Touches More People


As I am preparing the Speakers / Preachers / Teachers LIST for the Month of May 2012, a discovery came to mind!  
I found out that more than FIVE of our KING'S MEN EXECUTIVES are PREACHING / TEACHING in different PULPITS already! 
THIS IS NOT COUNTING all our FULL-TIME PASTORS! 
This is a DREAM COME TRUE!
Thank You LORD!

==================================
Our YOUTH Leaders are doing it as well.
Our WOMEN Leaders too.
God is GREAT!

TEAM PREACHING TOUCHES MORE!
- more sites can be ministered to
- more venues can be opened
- more social groupings can be integrated
- more needs can be met
==================================


At His Life, we believe in TEAM-WORKING (not yet perfected, but a dream pursued), that we will PRAY together, PREACH together, DISCIPLE people together in the Vision and Values of His Life Ministries.
============================
Every two months (on a Tuesday) we have our KINGS MEN 12 LEADERSHIP Night 
with our spouses.  This is a DINNER Buffet Night.
A time to oversee and pastor His Life Ministries by

  • planning, 
  • organizing, 
  • discussing and 
  • pursuing with excellence what God has called us to do together.
- REVIEWING of the Calendar for PREACHING.
- COACHING the LifeGroups Build Up (144 Level).
- MONITORING the PEP-SOL Course.
- DECLARING the KM Vision and Coverage.

IN 2012:  June 5 (at the SUGARLAND HOTEL); August 7 (at the HLM PARK); November 6 (at the HLM PARK).

Thursday, April 19, 2012

My 12

KING'S MEN Letterhead, HIS LIFE MINISTRIES

DATED
March 20, 2012

DEAR Mighty Man of God,

Hallelujah! 

It is a HOPE-Filled and MIRACULOUS-Filled 2012!
It greeted us, it united us, it made us see the Almighty Hand of our Father God in Heaven move in our midst.  Thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ who paved the way through His Cross and the Ministry of the Holy Spirit revealing these to us in Scripture.   
As the given leaders of the church, the KING’s MEN network (together with your First Lady), let’s continue to serve, and move in the highest service we can all do for all the Networks—Women, Young Professionals, Youth and our Children. 
From this perspective, I am giving you a vision to “BISHOP” people.  This is a noble ambition (see the following words used in 1 Timothy 3:1)

New International Version (©1984)
Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.
New Living Translation (©2007)
This is a trustworthy saying: "If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position."
Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
This is a trustworthy saying, that if a man desires Eldership, he desires a good work.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
This is a statement that can be trusted: If anyone sets his heart on being a bishop, he desires something excellent.
King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
This is a true saying, If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work.
American Standard Version
Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

“To BISHOP people” — This is one of the most needed FUNCTION we have to act upon as we want to reach the multitudes in these present season.

BISHOP, noun
1.  a person who supervises a number of local churches or a diocese, being in the Greek, Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other churches a member of the highest order of the ministry.
 
2.  a spiritual supervisor, overseer, or the like.

I believe we have to start as DEACONS, then move on to greater service and responsibility — thus YOU ARE NOW TO HAVE THE FUNCTION OF BISHOP as a MIND-SET.  Don’t be called ONE, rather just function as ONE.  This has to be IT, if you really want to REACH THE MULTITUDES. 

YOU MUST HAVE not JUST 12 people, but 12 LifeGroups OVERSEEN by you.   
The best if you have already The 144 in place (if not — just continue in the Vision of Discipleship).
YOU MUST HAVE not JUST 1 or 2 SITES, BUT GO for 12 SITES, REGIONS, CITIES overseen by you and your wife.  This is BISHOPPING.  Wow!  
 I relate this to what Jesus mentioned as a CONGRATULATORAY pronouncement to the one who delivered an increase in the Parable of the Minas found in Luke 17:10, which goes, “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’”

I praise the LORD for 2012.  I believe for more NEW PEOPLE, NEW DISCIPLES, NEW LEADERS and NEW CHURCHES and SITES to be launched for the Glory of God.  This is the DIRECTION I am willing to go to make a difference and a transformation in our community, city and country(s) that God has placed me and Trixie to be together with our church at His Life Ministries.

I know I could not do this alone.  That is why a UNIFIED and a PASSIONATE TEAM is a requirement.  TEAMS make DREAMS work.  And TEAMS make CATALYTIC movements, it is also a powerful MULTIPLYER!

This year 2012, God has placed YOU in my heart to ask you if you would like to still be part of my 12.  We will pray together, preach together, disciple people together in the Vision and Values of His Life Ministries.

If there is peace in your heart regarding this TEAM-WORKING, please let me know.  You will be part of my 12, my LifeGroup, our Leadership Group at His Life.  It entails a leader’s meeting once every TWO MONTHS (on a TUESDAY) together for planning, organizing, discussing and pursuing with  excellence what God has called us to do together.

Get the will of Father God regarding this.  Please let me know if God the Holy Spirit is leading you to be part of MY TEAM of Glorifying God and Making Disciples at the Top Level — just text 0918-281-7910 of your response on or before March 31, 2012.  
I’m excited for 2012. 
God will do a wonderful and honorable thing through our church in the Philippines and beyond.

WOULD YOU HEED THE RESPONSIBILITY of BISHOPPING?








JR here
PS — please read related article on THINK LIKE A BISHOP <<< click HERE

---------------------------------------------
 
MIGHTY EXPLOITS
· involves total commitment to the task
· Involves getting out of the ordinary
· Involves the speed of God

The GLORY OF GOD
· For His Honor
· Your wish is my command
· Making Him famous in micro and macro involvements

THE BEST
· To make disciples in the Vision of 12
· Follow the 7 fold Vision of KM
· IDENTIFICATION of Men who are not yet in LifeGroups
· Our Accountability Guide Questions

LETS BELIEVE for:
· NEW PEOPLE
· NEW DISCIPLES
· NEW LEADERS
· NEW CHURCHES

PROTECT our:
· UNITY
· And HEART … your PASSION

The VEHICLE to Accomplish this:
· Praying Together
· Preaching Together
· Discipling Together
· Dreaming Together
· Planning, Organizing, Discussing and Pursuing with EXCELLENCE together

Our Coverage:
· Our Beloved Nation — The Philippines
· Now birthing in ASIA
· Then to ALL NATIONS of the World!


====================================================
7 QUESTIONS to ask regularly for your
LEADERSHIP LIFEGROUP MEMBERS for Accountability:

1.       How are you physically?
                    Health, sleep, food, exercise, rest, recreation

2. How are you mentally?
                    Books, magazines, films, internet use, current events

3. How are you emotionally?
                    Issues of the heart, opposite or same sex struggles,   purity check

4. How are you socially?
                    Relationship with family (spouse and kids), church, life group, pre-believers

5. How are you financially?
                    Tithes & offerings, pledges, spending habits, debt problems, financial breakthroughs and difficulties

6.  How are you spiritually?
                    Intimacy with and obedience to God

7.  Is there anything you want to share to me that I have not asked?

===================================================

Below is Trixie's Invitation Letter for YX 12

        
Greetings in the name of Jesus our Lord!

        After more than 3 months, I will be going back to youth ministry officially this April 1. I praise the Lord for all the great and good things He has done in me and my family as well as among you in YX. I thank Him too for laying down things in my heart while I was away.

        We all have sensed in our spirits that something big is coming in God's Kingdom, in the church, in our nation, in our personal lives and only those who are ready or more correctly stated have made themselves ready can perceive, receive and participate in it.

        It is in this light that I am writing this letter to you because the very first thing that I need to settle is the leadership condition. There is a need for us to reconsider the decision we have made when we took the leadership challenge...we all need to know that this is no light matter anymore considering what is required of us in the coming move of God...because when we do not count the cost well and see if we can pay the price, we can end up as casualties. This will not only affect us but others, tool.
I need you to evaluate yourself if you are able to do the following:
        
1. be honest about who you really are before me and others (no pretensions of who you are not and no walls and masks) 
2. have a discipline of quiet time daily - reading the Bible and meditating on God's Word and praying (and not cute prayers but warfare and intercessory prayers) 
3. fast regularly once a week or at least 2x a month
4. pay your tithe
5. attend our life group meetings faithfully
6. lead your life group in the vision of discipleship - meet them regularly, bring them up toward the ladder of success; by now you should have produced life group leaders who are leading their own life groups...(if this is not happening I would be questioning your own commitment to the vision)
7. be submissive to and supportive of our church leaders
8. be holy and not worldly - to share my convictions with regard to sexual issues and relationships, drinking and other vices (these are two of the most important matters in the youth), etc.
9. be disciplined in your lifestyle, ministry, family, work or school (laziness cannot be tolerated)
10. in case something is missed, here is the ender that will cover everything - I need you to be a man/woman after God's own heart (and this is not easy).

        If there is any doubt after you have read this letter, please do resign from the leadership...this is for your own good and for the good of others. If you only have a "I hope to be"or "I promise to be" attitude, please take back your commitment, too...this will save us all the other problems that will arise later. I am trying my best to really discourage you from making a step that will cost something you cannot pay. Do not let your concern of losing a good reputation keep you from backing out because really, it takes more courage to admit that it is not yet time for you than to continue with a pretentious heart. What will happen to those who will back out? You will still be a leader under the 12 and will continue to be trained until you are ripe and ready.

        For those of you who think you are and who can, I still encourage you to rethink and rethink more deeply.

        'Ng Trix

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Annual Celebration of DISCIPLESHIP: LTS Graduation and Awards Night 2012

LEADING through SERVING, GUIDING and INSPIRATION.  Making Disciples!

LifeGroup Leaders
are precious to us at His Life.
They are the one's responsible in making disciples from our new contacts and friends.
They are totally sold out to the Vision of 12.

Now is the SEASON for us to  celebrate BIG this Disciple Making habit we have at church.
We celebrate it by GRADUATING our SOL Students in STYLE!
We celebrate it by AWARDING those who helped people GRADUATE through GIFTS.
We celebrate it BIG through Food, Awards and lots Hallelujahs and congratulations!
==============


"The LifeGroup Pastor's Leadership OUTFIT"
VENUE 2012:  HOTEL CENTRO PLANTA, BACOLOD CITY
TIME:  430PM 
ATTIRE:  FORMAL
TICKETED:  FOOD P 150 person
NUMBER OF NEW LIFEGROUP LEADERS:  82
NUMBER OF AWARDEES:  34
BOOKS FOR BIBLE QUIZ:  JUDGES and JOEL (OT) and 1ST JOHN (NT)
"The LifeGroup Pastor's Leadership OUTFIT"


==============
I see awardings in the BIBLE. 
Do you too?
-- pastor jr 

Here's # 1
1 Corinthians 9:24 (Amplified Bible) "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours." 

Here's # 2
Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." 

Here's # 3
Matthew 25:23 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' 

Here's # 4
2 Timothy 4:8 "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 

Here's # 5
James 1:12 "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." AND on and on and on .... there are rewards, awards, crowns, "well dones", praises and congratulations in the Word of God! 

================================

The LTS G-AWARDS are given to people who have developed and released disciples under them to become LIFEGROUP Leaders.

  • The G12 Award is the highest award - meaning: He / She has produced and released 12 LifeGroup Leaders under him / her. Others Awards are G1, G2, G3 and so on.
  • Since LTS is for "GENERATIONAL Leadership", the passage of Paul in 2 Timothy 2:2-- "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others", come to perspective during this "Awards Night".
  • Notice:We are concentrating on the ability of the 3rd Generation to affect the 4th Generation in this passage of Scripture (2 Timothy 2:2). You would note that the "you" here refers to Timothy. While the "me" here refers to Paul. And the "reliable men" here are people who are qualified to teach "others" -- these are the 3rd and 4th Generations respectively from Paul. 
  • During the Awards Night, we are awarding the "RELIABLE MEN / WOMEN". These are the folks who have been proven to be faithful and reliable towards the Vision of Disciple-making. They are people who have produced other LIFEGROUP Leaders under them. Well, this is at least how we would like to apply it at HLM. 


THEY (CANDIDATES FOR AWARDS NIGHT) HAVE:
  1. They have produced or released at least one LIFEGROUP Leader/s under them.
  2. They are meeting regularly in an L-Group set up. L-Group stands for Leadership Group. 
  3. The LIFEGROUP  Leaders under them are enrolled in the LTS program curriculum.
  4. The LIFEGROUP Leaders under them began leading a month previous to the AWARDS Night.

OTHER INFO =========

In the Year 2007, we had the Books of Genesis and the Gospel of Luke for our BIBLE Quiz portion. The PRIZEs included a LapTop, a phone, and many more! 

In the Year 2008, we will have the Books of Exodus and the Gospel of John for our BIBLE Quiz portion. PRIZEs would include HOUSEHOLD showcases for the Living Room, Dining Room and Kitchen! We would like to bless our DISCIPLE makers!

In the Year 2010, we are seeing more and more prizes that will enhance the work of the LIFEGROUP Leader  / Discipler. For BIBLE Quiz PORTION 2010: Study the Book of John (Gospel). And the Books written by John -- 1, 2, 3 John, Book of Revelations.

In the Year 2011, we had JOSHUA and the Book of Acts with prizes of ROUND TRIP Ticket to a G12 Conference in Singapore / Asia.

For the YEAR 2012:  Study the Books of JUDGES and JOEL (OT) and 1st John (NT). 
Cool prizes this YEAR!

===========

NOTE THE FOLLOWING: 
***  RECOGNITION Day is for the CURRENTLY Enrolled Students in our LTS at His Life.
***  GRADUATION Day is for the Students who FINISHED their SOL 1, 2, and 3 (LTS 1).
***  AWARDS NIGHT is for the ALUMNI of LTS who continue to make DISCIPLES, that is releasing LifeGroup Leaders.

===========

GRADUATES have to hear and absorb to do 94 different topics-titles and subjects,
plus 3 Journals and have an Active LifeGroup to GRADUATE in LTS-SOL program
of His Life Ministries (Year 1).
We call this 
"The LifeGroup Pastor's Leadership OUTFIT"


Below is A REFERENCE Program for Graduation DAY (October 25, 2007)
- Grand Regal Hotel, Bacolod City)
S.O.L. GRADUATION DAY
October 25, 2007
Program Flow:
Picture Taking (Graduates)
Prelude (Video clips: LTS Graduation 2002, 2005, 2006)
Opening Prayer: Pastor Jonas Cubing
Praise & Worship – P&W Team
1. In the Secret
2. One Pure & Holy Passion
3. Hosanna
Welcome & Acknowledgement – Suzette Castillo
March of the Graduates – Suzette Castillo
National Anthem – Nieves Dedel
Purpose of the Event – Raymond Jamora
Reading of LTS History – Jimmy Pacete
Introduction of the Guest Speaker – Raymond Jamora

Message “Producing Generational Leaders for God’s Glory, (2 Timothy 2:2, Matt.28:18-20)
– Pastor Eleanor Cordova

Communion of Students – Chabby Palmares
Giving of Awards “The Leadership Award” – Suzette Castillo
Giving of Diploma – Suzette Castillo
School Theme Song “Find Us Faithful”
– Graduates Confirmation of Graduates – Raymond Jamora & Joebert Ramos

Dinner Prayer – Ranty Camponion
Special Number – His Life Band · Benette Pakingking
– Change My Heart Oh God · Mark Tabura
– Word of God Speak · Jennifer Faren & Marie Jo Jimenez
– Thy Word · YX
– I Could Sing of Your Love
Recognition of Leaders – Joebert Ramos
· SOL 1 Finisher · SOL 2 Finisher · G Award
Prayer of Ordination – Joebert Ramos
Thanksgiving Offering – Glenn Arellano
Ending Song – Jonas Cubing
1. The Potter’s Hand
2. Forgetting What Lies Behind
Closing Prayer – Alma Palmares
Pictorial
1. Graduates – by Network
2. Pastors
3. Teachers
xxxxx


Monday, March 26, 2012

The Bibingka Mindset for LAUNCH


In preparing for SUCCESSFUL LAUNCHES ...
  • you must have a COUNT DOWN towards the BIG DAY!  
  • But this is NOT ENOUGH!
  • YOU MUST HAVE a COUNT UP as well!

This is the BIBINGKA concept / mindset I am proposing for SUCCESSFUL SITE START-UPS and Church Launches at His Life.

----------------------------------------
BIBINGKAS cooking article ...

Bibingka is a type of rice cake native to the Philippines.
This is traditionally made from galapong (milled glutinous rice), 
coconut milk, margarine, and sugar.

The traditional way of cooking Bibingka is unique and quite time consuming.
The mixture is poured on a clay pot lined with pre-cut banana leaf.
A special clay oven known as “Bibingka oven” is needed to bake this rice cake.
The clay pot is placed between the layers of the Bibingka oven and lit charcoals (locally known as “uling”) are placed below and above the clay pot to evenly cook the mixture.
-----------------------------------------


So how will you LAUNCH -- Bibingka Style?
ANSWER:  you must place your LAUNCH DAY
below and above your Count DOWN and Count UP right there in your Calendar!

----------------------
Count Down
and
Count Up
----------------------

Example:  If you have a target LAUNCH date of May 18, 
You must have a COUNT DOWN TOWARDS THAT DAY, BUT ALSO HAVE A COUNT UP AFTER THAT DAY!


Why?
  • The TOWARDS that DAY Timeline will help you become Focused, Prepared and Confident.  This happens with lots of praying, planning and envisioning about the BIG DAY that is coming!
  • The AFTER that DAY Timeline will help you consolidate, follow-through and keep the harvest you've got during your LAUNCH BIG DAY!  You must see the next WEEKS up ahead or the 1st 50 Days after the LAUNCH.  If you do not have this -- then you will just have a SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH but never will have a HEALTHY Movement!

So what will you do?
  1. Have a Count Down TOWARDS your LAUNCH DATE (at least 12 Days -- 20 Days of Timelining).  For Big Events, it could even be 6 to 8 months before the LAUNCH.  This must be itemized, written, posted, prayed for and announced.
  2. Have a Count Up AFTER your LAUNCH DATE (at least 30 to 50 Days of Timelining). This will make all the difference!  This composes your follow-ups, consolidation activities, placing people in LifeGroups and more!

    Tuesday, March 20, 2012

    MODESTY still a Fashion in CHURCH!


    I got this exchange from Facebook from one of our Youth Leaders at church ...
    this is excellent!  worthy worthy worthy to be shared ...
    hallelujah for GODLY FASHION still in FASHION among the YOUTH of TODAY ...
    see the power of Christian godly discipleship in ACTION ...
    read on (BELOW)

    ---------------------------------------------------

    HELLO GOD'S PRINCESS!!! [:-)]

    I FORWARD TO YOU THIS MESSAGE I RECEIVED this FROM Ate Pau sent thru her LIFEGROUP LEADER -- Nang GEL (during their mentoring time) FOR YOU TO BE AWARE AND BE BLESSED JUST LIKE ME. [:-)] PLEASE READ IT ...

    GEL:
    just wanna share wd u. i rememberd somebody's sharing on inward and outward purity lastym. and nag ingon sya nga there are instances na images speak knu in a different way. gn example was pics or scenes na ga focus sa lips ka girls/boys, eg: picture, movie, etc. this is a subtle image daw promoting sexual temptation. esp the LIPS. d bla enticing, arousing,tempting scenes on the movies do not really focus on the BIG body organs, but usually sa small organs, like the LIPS?

    in egyptian culture, this is equivalent gle knu to our genital organ. i know it sounds yuck.(hehe) but sometimes, pics focusing on the lips myt have a different effect on the opposite sex and vice versa. NOTE: pwd gd na unaware ta ni. like me! namian gd ko magkwa pics before na gaduko and wala mau face, down part lng, including lips. may lain gle na meaning!!

    im sharing this to you not to be legalistic but to spur each other towards being above reproach. as shared by one elder in our church.."DO NOT ALLOW WHAT YOU CONSIDER GOOD TO BE SPOKEN OF AS EVIL_Romans 14:16."

    Dat means, some pics might be innocently good for us.. wla meaning, wla flirting, wla any hint of pangita attention from others..BUT, myt give a different msg to others, esp the opposite sex. may we take time to check our pics, our disciples, and our hearts. was there any time na we posted a pic because we really wanted others to see us as beautiful, because we feel na they dont see us? or have we posted something na myt appear as tempting to others? can we show it to our pastor w/o feeling ashamed or guilty? again,"DO NOT ALLOW WHAT YOU CONSIDER GOOD TO BE SPOKEN OF AS EVIL_Romans 14:16."

    in the same way that we guard our "private organs," let us also guard the images portrayed by our lips. if we need to edit, delete, crop, so be it.

    REPLY FROM EEKA:

    Amen!! The book that I am currently reading says, PURITY IS NOT HOW FAR YOU CAN GO, BEFORE REACHING THE TOUCH BASE CALLED SEX.but it is about, HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE for the right one. I TOTALLY AGREE wd Gel, not because she is my sister but because what she said is true. Darlings, let us preserve even the images of us ( intimate parts of us ) for the right one:)

    I dont wanna scare u with this image but one encounter weekend, when a certain participant Got demonized by jezebel, a youth minister saw an image of a woman laughing outside of the session hall wd an evil laugh. Do you know how d woman looked like?

    LONG HAIR WD BIG CURLS WITH ONE SIDED BANGS COVERING ONE EYE.
    LONG NAILS
    RED, DOMINANT LIPS.
    and who do you think is the woman? Jezebel.

    So let us be careful of the images we portray. We may feel that we just wanna look like rachel mcadams, reese witherspoon or whoever. But behind that is the ancient woman, jezebel.

    MODESTY is the best ACCESSORY a proverbs31 woman can ever wear. MODESTY is the best photo proverbs31 woman can ever post.

    I am not being legalistic here as well. But prior to responding on this msg, WE ARE ALL DISCIPLES. na think ko na Hindi man ni sha for the sake of legalism, but this is a fact that DISCIPLED WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.its up to u kung panu mo e deal. Basta kay uve been made aware:)...... END........

    so thats it... I pray that you learn something. [:-)]
    REMEMBER James 1:22
    "DO NOT MERELY LISTEN (read)... DO WHAT IT SAYS.

    GOD BLESS YOU!

    -------------------------------------
    wow!
    powerful!

    MODESTY is STILL the best ACCESSORY :-)

    from the Word of God ...

    Proverbs 31
    New International Version (NIV)

    Proverbs 31:10ff

    Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
     10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find?
       She is worth far more than rubies.
    11 Her husband has full confidence in her
       and lacks nothing of value.
    12 She brings him good, not harm,
       all the days of her life.
    13 She selects wool and flax
       and works with eager hands.
    14 She is like the merchant ships,
       bringing her food from afar.
    15 She gets up while it is still night;
       she provides food for her family
       and portions for her female servants.
    16 She considers a field and buys it;
       out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
    17 She sets about her work vigorously;
       her arms are strong for her tasks.
    18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
       and her lamp does not go out at night.
    19 In her hand she holds the distaff
       and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
    20 She opens her arms to the poor
       and extends her hands to the needy.
    21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
       for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
    22 She makes coverings for her bed;
       she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
    23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
       where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
    24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
       and supplies the merchants with sashes.
    25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
       she can laugh at the days to come.
    26 She speaks with wisdom,
       and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
    27 She watches over the affairs of her household
       and does not eat the bread of idleness.
    28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
       her husband also, and he praises her:
    29 “Many women do noble things,
       but you surpass them all.”
    30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
       but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
    31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
       and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

    Monday, March 19, 2012

    There should only BE ONE THING!


    Do Less, Accomplish More >>> I BELIEVE IN THIS!
    Do Nothing -- then you are at your BEST to BE! >>> I BELIEVE IN THIS TOO!

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I adjusted this thought (from the internet) below to fit what I would like to share today:
     
    Does a tree try to grow?
    Does a fish try to swim?
    Does a bird try to fly?
    Does the sun try to shine?
    Does an HLM LEADER DISCIPLER try to Disciple?
    (no no no ... it must be the NORM ... the only
    thing that has been designed by God for us to be and do)



    ---------------------------------------------

    This is our Vision, our "nature"
    ... to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Vision of 12 carefully and in quality for quantity.

    IF WE TRY TO DO MORE ... AND MORE AND MORE ... and ADD another to another ...
    YOU WILL FIND YOUR SELF doing LESS of what God has called us to do
    -- that is TO MAKE DISCIPLES!

    ------------------------------------------------------------------
    No wonder, we do not have our 144 yet in place.
    No wonder, we feel tired.
    No wonder, we feel very cluttered and disorganized.
    No wonder that at the end of the year ... we have few FINISHERS in our Leadership Training School.  OUCH!

    NOW IS THE TIME "TO DO LESS ... for us to BE MORE of what God has called us to be"

    ---------------------------------------------------------

    Can a tree move from one place to another?
    Can a fish try to walk?
    Can a bird try to run?
    Can the sun stop shining?
    == ANSWER: very possible ... with lots of STRESS ==

    ---------------------------------------------------

    Can an HLM LEADER DISCIPLER try to do MANY MANY MANY MANY more ... aside from Discipling PEOPLE?
    == ANSWER: SURE YOU CAN ... but in exchange to PRACTICAL, DAILY DISCIPLESHIP ... and it is a waste of time, energy, passion and even money ==

    Choose where to FLOW with less effort ... then and only then will you find yourself multiplying and accelerating.  THIS IS CALLED THE "LAW OF LEAST EFFORT" coz you are designed, destined for it in the first place.

    Lets make disicples!  JESUS said so ... and "WILL BE WITH US TILL THE END OF THE AGE". Wow!

    ================================
    JRs Tips:
    1. Filter every thing you do -- Does it jive with our Vision? our Purpose? our Mission?
    2. Everything you do must be to Grow your 12 and theirs too (your 144 and beyond) -- are you doing things INDEPENDENTLY? or Dependently with your 12 and the vision to see them grow too?
    3. INDIVIDUALISTIC growth or Community Growth is another thought to consider.  Are you doing this THING YOU ARE DOING FOR YOU? or for you and your family of 12 and your family of 144?  Check and double check :-)  DO NOT BE AN INDEPENDENT ... be an INTERDEPENDENT person :-)
    4. Why do you go to a CONFERENCE? SEMINAR? WORKSHOP? Is it for you? or for you and your disciples too?  Will you send them next time?  MAKE SURE TO FILTER OUT things NOT WITHIN OUR VISION ... discern :-) 

    Tuesday, March 13, 2012

    The Pastors Move: Think like a BISHOP




    When I met our guests from Bermuda this 1st week of March this year led by Bishop Neville Smith, I mentioned that probably the Year 2012 is the Year of the Bishops at His Life Ministries (we have TWO Christian Bishop Guests this 2012 -- Bishop Neville and Bishop James).

    We usually do not call our LEADERS. PASTORS and ELDERS "bishop" here in Negros Island.  In Iloilo they have Christian Bishops already, same with Manila.  But here in Negros we tend to not use the word "bishop".

    Nevertheless, I believe that every PASTOR must think like a bishop -- in increasing coverage, responsibility and leadership (that is to train and lead many and multiple groups in discipleship).


    WHY?

    ANSWER:
    FOR THE MULTITUDES TO BE REACHED, DISCIPLED and LED powerfully!

    ---------------------------

    Most pastors thinks "UNI".  When I say "uni" -- I refer to the idea of being "so territorial" and sometimes "limited" (or self-limiting).  
    They are contented to be locked-in at a certain LOCALITY and FLOCK (of sometimes 45, 60 or even 85 people), instead of reaching and touching the FOLD (the unbelievers by the thousands of a city or region).  

    ---------------------------

    SO WHAT IS TO DO?
    ANSWER:  think like a BISHOP (not to be called one, or have a title of one).  But to have the mind of an OVERSEER in an expanding world around us -- not just to be a preacher, to be a LifeGroup leader of ONE LifeGroup, but a LifeGroup leader of 100 LifeGroups (that is leading other LifeGroup Leaders) ! ! !
    THEN and only THEN can YOU BE READY FOR THE MULTITUDE.

    Will you make this your MOVE, Pastor?

    ============
    DEFINITIONS
    (from www.gotquestions.org)

    Question: "What is a bishop, biblically speaking?"

    Answer: In the New Testament, a bishop is a person who functions as a teaching leader among a local group of Christians. The Greek term episkapos has also been translated as “episcopal,” “elder,” “overseer,” or “pastor.” All refer to the same office and are therefore synonyms.
    In the earliest churches, its leaders were simply referred to as “elders.” For example, in Acts 20:17 we read, “Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.” In Philippians 1:1, Paul introduces his letter “to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.” Apparently, there were originally only two leadership positions in the church: elders and deacons.
    In the Pastoral Epistles, Paul speaks twice regarding the qualifications of elders, those he considered the leaders of the local church (also notice that these elders generally served as teams rather than as single leaders).

    In 1 Timothy 3:1-7 we read,
    "The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer (bishop), he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil."

    From this list, we conclude several things. 
    First, the job is a noble task.
    Second, the job is a limited task (male pronouns and references are used throughout.).
    Third, integrity is critical (above reproach, committed to his spouse, clear thinking, self-controlled, well respected, friendly, not influenced by alcoholic drinks, not violent or argumentative, not greedy, caring for his children, and having a good reputation among the unchurched).
    Fourth, he must have the ability to teach. (Deacons, whose requirements are listed in the next verses, are not required to have teaching ability.) Titus 1:5-7 shares a similar list for elders, but it adds the ability to rebuke false teaching. When Peter wrote to this group of church leaders, he called himself a “fellow elder” (1 Peter 5:1).

    The earliest writings of the church fathers also seem to confirm this role of bishops as the teaching leaders who served alongside deacons to oversee the church. Both Clement of Rome (c. 95) and the Didache referred to elders and deacons from the late early first century to the early second century as the church’s leaders.
    Over time, additional layers of leadership were added to the church. Eventually, the term bishop came to be applied to a regional church leader who administered many churches. At the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325, the church leader of each city or area represented his region’s churches. These leaders were referred to as “bishops.” Many Christian traditions continue to embrace this role of bishops today.
    However, the biblical teaching is that elders and deacons lead local churches. The elder was also known as a bishop or pastor and functioned in that role. This does not make additional church leadership roles wrong (to meet important needs for regional or national leadership among groups of churches), but indicates that Scripture points to elders and deacons as the local church leaders.

    ============
    DEFINITIONS
    (from an on-line Encyclopedia):

    A bishop (English translation of the biblical Greek επίσκοπος episcopos "supervisor, protector") is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox , Anglican, Old Catholic, Independent Catholic Churches, and in the Assyrian Church of the East, bishops claim apostolic succession, a direct historical lineage dating back to the original Twelve Apostles. Within these churches, bishops can ordain clergy including other bishops. Some Protestant churches including the Lutheran and Methodist churches have bishops serving similar functions as well, though not always understood to be within apostolic succession in the same way. It is the one ordained deacon, priest and then bishop who is understood to hold the fullness of the (ministerial) priesthood, given responsibility by Christ to govern, teach and sanctify the Body of Christ, members of the Faithful. Priests, deacons, and lay ministers cooperate and assist their bishop(s) in shepherding a flock.
    The office of bishop was already quite distinct from that of priest in the writings of Ignatius of Antioch (died c. 108), and by the middle of the 2nd century all the chief centres of Christianity were headed by bishops, a form of organization that remained universal until the Protestant Reformation.[1]

    ------------------------------------------
    This Write-Up is
    Dedicated to My 12

    As the given leaders of our church (at His Life), the KING’s MEN network must continue to serve, and move in the highest service we can all do for all the rest of the Networks—Women, Young Professionals, Youth and our Children.
    From this perspective, I am giving you a vision to “BISHOP” people.  This is a noble ambition (see the following words used in 1 Timothy 3:1)

    • New International Version (©1984)  Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.
    • New Living Translation (©2007)  This is a trustworthy saying: "If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position."
    • Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010) This is a trustworthy saying, that if a man desires Eldership, he desires a good work.
    • GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)  This is a statement that can be trusted: If anyone sets his heart on being a bishop, he desires something excellent.
    • King James 2000 Bible (©2003)  This is a true saying, If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work.
    • American King James Version This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desires a good work.
    • American Standard Version  Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
    To "BISHOP" people -- This is one of the most needed functions we have to act upon as we want to reach the multitudes.

    I personally believe that we have to start as DEACONS (servants) -- then move on to greater service and responsibility … thus YOU ARE NOW TO HAVE THE FUNCTION OF BISHOP UPON YOUR MIND-SET.  Don’t be called ONE, rather just function as ONE.  This will be a noble goal if you really want to REACH THE MULTITUDES!  There seems to be no other way!  You have to CHANGE your MIND! 
    • YOU MUST HAVE NOT JUST 12 people, but must have 12 LifeGroups OVERSEEN by you!  Go for the 144 LEVEL. It has to be in place!
    • YOU MUST HAVE NOT JUST 1 or 2 SITES, BUT GO for 10 SITES, 10 REGIONS, 10 CITIES overseen by you and your wife.  This is BISHOPPING!!!  Remember what JESUS said ... now be in charge of 10 CITIES!  Wow!
    I praise the LORD for 2012.  I believe for more NEW PEOPLE, NEW DISCIPLES, NEW LEADERS and NEW CHURCHES to be launched for the Glory of God.  This is the DIRECTION I am willing to go to make a difference and a transformation in this community, city and country(s) that God has placed me to be together with our church at His Life Ministries.

    I know I could not do this alone.  That is why a UNIFIED and PASSIONATE TEAM is a requirement.  TEAMS make DREAMS work.  And TEAMS make CATALYTIC movements ... it is also a powerful MULTIPLYER!

    You MUST thing like a BISHOP!


    To MY  12 -- lets pray together, preach together, disciple people together in the Vision and Values of His Life Ministries.

    WOULD YOU HEED THE RESPONSIBILITY of BISHOPPING?

    Will you make this your MOVE this 2012?


    jr here :-)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------



    click below to READ article:
    KINGSMEN IN THE VISION

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